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Danu at Satalla in New York City
By Gwen Orel in New York

DanuThe question is, when did Danu go and reinvent themselves as a supergroup? Make no mistake, they were always terrific musicians, always put out energetic albums with nuance as well as verve… but until I saw their live act at Satalla October 22nd I had no idea they had become so exhilarating they literally take your breath away. Note to self: don't forget to breathe when carried away by music! Don't miss this group if you get a chance—to date their recorded albums do not really do them justice. Their website says a live DVD is in the works; rush out to get it—I know I will!

This seven-piece ensemble has so much young energy and cheeky confidence that one has the odd sensation of watching a college frat-band who happen to be virtuoso traditional musicians. A lot of the credit for the driving excitement goes to bodhran player Donnchadh Gough, who stomps and shakes his head around with the best of rock drummers anywhere. Introduced by his bandmates as “the pretty face of the band,” Gough is also a piper, and excels at both instruments, but his wild-man drumming is one of the highlights of the evening.

Other treats in concert include the singing of Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh. This is her first album with the band, and the addition of a female singer adds a subtle flair to the group's tight, driving rhythm. Muireann has the pretty blonde looks of a trad singer, but her voice surprises: it's full and rich, unlike a typical light soprano, and the mellow depth of her voice contrasts gorgeously with the flying notes by the boys, and gets right under your skin. She also plays the flute and tin whistles.

The New York audience was clearly packed with Irish music aficionados and friends as well as more casual fans; a reel played for “Mike Rafferty down there” drew happy applause. Naturally, the group focused on tunes from their latest album, “The Road less Traveled,” though they also played songs from earlier albums and tunes they have not yet recorded. One set of tunes, from “The Road less Traveled,” absolutely gallops— to the point where it almost felt dangerous! I'd tell you what it is, but I was too busy clapping to take notes. The band all look a bit like sheepish twelve-year olds, in polo shirts and faded jeans and their music has a kind of teenage energy, but the sure-handed control of masters. Oisin McAuley on fiddles and Eamon Doorley on bouzouki in particular drove this tune along, with Donal Clancy's guitar urging them forward. Next came a lovely song by Tommy Sands, “The County Down.”

The band dared the audience to get on their feet, offering a night with the bodhran player as the prize for best dancer. The march they played was a wall of sound with an irresistible drive. Accordion player Benny McCarthy's shy smile at Gough's bodhran antics just reinforced the impression that the band was having as much fun playing as we were listening to them.

An old-timey song by Bruce Molsky (currenly playing with Andy Irvine's multicultural band, Mozaik) followed, with Muireann adding a gorgeous Irish lilt to “Peg and Awl.” Her harmony with the fiddle was sweet and lilting, but Gough's rhythmic drumming kept the sound strong. The band claimed it was Gough's birthday—“he's just hitting puberty”—but one of them confessed afterwards that it really wasn't; they just like to have a birthday on stage. Gough went into a slow air on the pipes, throwing his floppy hair around to great effect. When Clancy's guitar came in and modulated the tune the audience cheered in excitement.

The comic song “Only 19 years old,” about the perils of falling in love too quickly—“it was the days before electricity; 20 years ago”—the band explained—is to be recorded on their next album. More exciting reels that went to double time halfway through when the bodhran kicked in were next. Did I mention that Danu are an exciting group? The final song had room for solos by the band; Gough's bodhran solo is an experience not to be missed. After an enthusiastic roar of applause, complete with stomping and shouts, Danu came back for an encore of a Sean Nos song, beginning a capella, and told us it was only the second time they had performed it.

Satalla concerts are usually only one set, unfortunately, but the management and service was friendly and efficient. Seats were found for everyone, food and drinks were prompt, and we were all invited to stay for the next concert. I've been there three times now and it's quickly becoming one of my favorite places to see music in New York . I'll go see Danu play now wherever and whenever, but hope they are back at Satalla SOON!

For details on other Satalla shows check out http://www.satalla.com

and for news on Danu check out http://www.danu.net

 

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